Chuck Norris, the martial arts champion and actor best known for his role as Cordell Walker in the television series Walker, Texas Ranger, died Thursday at the age of 86, his family announced Friday. The family described his death as “sudden,” stating he was surrounded by loved ones and “at peace.”
Born Carlos Ray Norris on March 10, 1940, in Ryan, Oklahoma, Norris rose to international fame through a combination of athletic prowess and on-screen charisma. He began studying martial arts at the age of 13, eventually earning black belts in multiple disciplines, including Tang Soo Do, Karate and Judo. He was a six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate champion and founded his own American hard style of karate, Chun Kuk Do, and the United Fighting Arts Federation.
Norris transitioned to acting in the late 1960s, appearing in a series of action films, including Excellent Guys Wear Black (1978) and Lone Wolf McQuade (1983). However, it was his portrayal of the Texas Ranger Cordell Walker, which began in 1993, that cemented his status as a cultural icon. The show ran for nine seasons and remains popular in syndication.
“To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength,” the family statement read. “To us, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, an incredible brother, and the heart of our family.”
Prior to his acting career, Norris served in the United States Air Force between 1958 and 1962. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1989. In recent decades, Norris largely stepped away from major film roles, but maintained a significant online presence, becoming the subject of countless internet memes celebrating his perceived invincibility.
The family requested privacy during their time of mourning and did not release details regarding the circumstances of his death, only noting that he had been hospitalized recently in Hawaii. Norris’s family expressed gratitude for the prayers and support received from fans, whom he considered friends.
Leave a Reply